The Fae of Tennga were a close-knitcommunity. Visitors from beyond the barrierwere rare, and those who did arrive usually came through the rune pillar transports. The last to cross over had been an unexpected guest—a quiet yet strong being, whose calm nature had endeared her to the entire town in a matter of days. Kai Ki had left many monthsago, but she had not been forgotten. Word of her exploits and adventures had traveled back to them, bringing a sense of pride. They liked to believe they had played no small part in shaping her path. Mayor Elarin himself had taken to sharing her business cards with theFae and Elder Fae who passed through thePillars, ensuring her name lived on in conversation.
Tonight, however, the town was alive withcelebration for an entirely different reason. The expansion project had been approved at last. The barrier would soon be extended, creating more space for those who needed it—especially the larger Fae who had long struggled with the town’s current limitations. There was even talk of a pair of Bridge Trolls joining them. Spirits were high, and the festivities filled the townsquare. Booths lined the streets, games were in full swing, and music drifted through the air.
Hanna and seven-year-old Toby manned the dart stand, their laughter mixing with the shouts of excited children. Beside them, Lucas the Satyr twisted balloon creatures with nimble fingers, delighting the younger Fae. Near the rune pillars, Mayor Elarin sat in a dunk tank, thoroughly drenched, taunting his next challenger with playful jeers. At the steps of City Hall, the town’s two Moon Sisters, Rina andShae, served steaming drinks and freshly baked pastries. The scent of cinnamon and honey hung in the air.
It was a perfect evening. Until the crowd fell silent. Hanna’s cobalt ears twitched. A strange sound rumbled in the distance. Shae and Rina stepped out from behind their stand. Mothers instinctively pulled their children close. Mayor Elarin, having climbed out of the tank, now stood in the middle of the road. Water dripping from his clothes as he crouched low, pressing a hand to the ground. His sharp senses picking up the vibrations growing stronger beneath his fingertips. “Something’ is coming,” he murmured. The quiet deepened. Then the rumbling swelled into a roar. A light appeared in the distance, piercing the darkness of the road leading out of town.
The more powerful Fae stepped forward, standing in line with their mayor, while the weaker ones were ushered back as the light drew closer, revealing the form of a vehicle. A motorcycle.
The crowd tensed. The bike barrelled toward them at reckless speed, sending dirt and gravel flying in its wake. Some of the Fae braced themselves, prepared to intercept it, but at the last second, the rider braked while yanking on the handlebars, skidding to a squealing stop. The engine cut. Silence fell once more. That was when they saw—there were two riders. One of them was tied tightly to the other. The driver threw off their helmet, and the reaction was immediate.
“Gorgon!” someone shouted in alarm. Gaspsrippled through the crowd as the woman’s snakes writhed, their eyes gleaming under the lanterns.
Many Fae instinctively flinched back, wary of the Gorgon’s gaze. But then— “Help! I need help!!” the woman cried, her voice breaking.
The desperation in her tone made Elarin hesitate. He took a cautious step forward. “What seems to be the problem?” Tears streamed down the Gorgon’s face. Her snakes twitched and drooped, mirroring her distress. “Please!” she begged. “Help her! She’s bleeding out!” Elarin gaze flickered to the second rider. The figure slumped against the Gorgon’s back wasn’t moving. A sinking feeling settled in his gut. Then, before he could act, Shae ran past him. “Kai!!”
The name shattered the stillness like a bolt of lightning. The recognition in Shae’s voice sent a wave of shock through the gathered Fae. Kai Ki—their Kai—had returned. But not as they had imagined.
Marta sagged with relief. “Are you Shae?” Shae barely nodded before she was at their side, working with Marta to untie Kai from the Gorgon’s back. Once freed, Marta leapt off the bike and helped lift Kai’s limp body. The reality of the situation struck the crowd like a hammer blow. Kai had come back to them—at death’s door.
Elarin recovered swiftly, calling out, “Get her inside! Quickly!” The hesitation vanished. People sprang into action. Shae led the way to her B&B, the closest place to handle anemergency. “Someone get Lassa!” Elarin barked. A young Centaur taking off down the road at a full gallop, heading for their newest resident—a Hedge Witch skilled in healing. Inside the B&B, chaos reigned. The dining table was cleared with a sweep of Shae’s arm, sending plates and cups clattering to the floor. Kai was carefully laid on the polished wood, her normally caramel skin deathly pale.
Marta, still breathless from the ride, began peeling away layers of Kai’s gear. Shock rippled through the gathered Fae. Gun holsters. Knives. Pouches of strange tools. The sheer amount of weaponry was staggering. Then Marta tore open Kai’s shirt, revealing the blood-soaked bandages around her side. Shae went white. Her fingers found Kai’s neck, searching for a pulse. A shaky sigh escaped her. “It’s weak…”Marta nodded grimly. She peeled away the makeshift tourniquet just as the Centaur returned, carrying a flustered Hedge Witch on his back.
Lassa dismounted unsteadily, muttering under her breath about improper transportation, but the moment she stepped inside, she knew. The heavy weight of magic and blood filled the air. She hurried forward, assessing the wound. “What caused this?” She demanded “Shrapnel, I think… from an explosion,” Marta answered. Lassa frowned. “How long ago?”“Nearly two hours.” The Hedge Witch’s head snapped up. “Two hours?” Shae’s expression mirrored her shock. “Why on earth did you wait so long?” Lassa demanded. Marta flinched. “I didn’t know! She said she was concussed! We rode from Blue Ridge—it’s two hours away! I had no choice! Please, save her! She was protecting me! She’s my best friend—please!” Marta’s voice cracked. Her snakes drooped, curling in distress. Shae’s heart ached at the sight. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the Gorgon. Marta stiffened—then slowly sank into the embrace, sobs wracking her body. Thesnakes settled, their movements less frantic. Lassa took a deep breath, her voice gentler now. “She’s strong. Anyone else would have succumbed to blood loss by now. I’ll do what I can.”
Kai was moved to a familiar room—the one she had once stayed in. Lassa worked swiftly, weaving healing magic into her efforts.
As she treated Kai, she felt somethingunexpected. A presence. Curious. Watching. Helping. Lassa had neverencountered magic quite like it. It nudged at her healing energy—then absorbed it, multiplied it, and spread it through Kai’s body. The Hedge Witch shivered. What are you, girl? She thought. Hours later, Lassa sat back, exhausted but satisfied. Kai would live. Stepping outside, she was met with a sea of anxious faces. She chuckled at the effect this one woman had on an entire town.“She’s fine,” she announced. The collective exhale was palpable. Marta hesitated. “Can I sit with her?” Lassa smiled. “Yes, but let her rest. Her body is healing itself now.” She shook her head in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Shae smirked faintly. “You don’t know the half of it.”
As the crowd slowly dispersed, Rina took over as hostess, ensuring the B&B remained open for those who lingered. Upstairs, Shae and Marta sat beside Kai’s bed, watching over their friend. She had survived. And this time, they would not let her go so easily. Marta sat curled on the couch pushed up near the bed, her eyes fixed on the steady rise and fall of the blankets. Kai’s breath was even, in and out, but the very sight of it—proof of life—made her throat tighten. She had almost lost her. Her only friend. Marta had never known anyone like Kai, human or Fae. The quiet woman had settled into her life like a stone in water, slowly revealing her depths. At first, she had been an enigma—silent, watchful, a creature of presence rather than words. But Marta had learned that beneath Kai’s stillness was a razor-sharp wit that could cut deep or leave her gasping for breath from laughter. She’d never forget the time Kai had murmured something so perfectly timed, so dry and cutting, that Marta had spat her drink all over her desk, coughing and wheezing while Kai merely smirked and strolled away, hands in her pockets, as if she hadn’t just committed a verbal crime of mass destruction. But it wasn’t just her humor. Kai was kind. Thoughtful. Fiercely protective in a way that defied logic. She had a knack for drawing in the most dangerous, most powerful Fae—many of whom barely acknowledged lesser beings—and yet somehow, they followed her like puppies.Marta had come to rely on her. Trust her. And now, she had nearly lost her. Worse, she had been the reason Kai had almost died.
The weight of it was suffocating. The guilt gnawed at her, clawing up her throat, leaving her unaware of the silent tears slipping down her cheeks—until warm arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into an embrace. A gentle hand wiped her tears away. Marta froze. Twice now. Twice her snakes hadn’t warned her of the Moon Elf’s approach. That should have been impossible. But as she slowly relaxed, her snakes brushed against the other Fae’s face and hair, curious rather than wary.
“It wasn’t your fault, you know?” Shae’s voice was a rich, smoky purr against her ear, sending an involuntary shiver down Marta’s spine. She turned her head, blinking up at the woman behind her.
Shae was breathtakingly beautiful—like all her kind—with striking violet eyes and dark waves of hair that cascaded over her shoulders. But right now, it wasn’t her beauty that struck Marta. It was the gentleness in her expression. “Kai has a habit of protecting without thinking,” Shae continued, her lips curling slightly. “It’s who she is. I’m sure I don’t know her as well as you do, but even in the short time she was last here, that much was obvious. She will protect those she claims as her own.”
Marta felt another tear slide down her cheek. Then Shae pulled her close again, laying her chin on Marta’s shoulder. Her snakes rubbed against the Fae woman in greeting, flicking their tongues curiously.
“Only Kai has ever been able to get so close to me,” Marta admitted quietly, her eyes searching Shae’s face. Shae hummed in amusement. “Hmm. That’s a shame.” She smiled. “You are quite huggable, in my opinion.” Before Marta could react, Shae leaned back into the couch, pulling the Gorgon with her, cradling her against her front as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “You should sleep,” she murmured, her voice coaxing. “You’re exhausted. I can watch over her for a while.”
Marta wanted to argue. She wanted to sit up, to insist that she had to be the one to stay awake. But Shae was warm. Soft. Her snakes, normally skittish, had already settled, some curling against the Fae’s arms. It was safe here. And Marta’s exhaustion was bone-deep. Her eyes drooped once. Twice. Then, finally, she surrendered.
Shae held her as she drifted off to sleep, watching the way her breathing evened out. She was… drawn to her. More than she should be. More than made sense. She had never particularly liked snakes, and yet she found herself gently stroking the small, wriggling creatures, fascinated by the way they flicked their tongues against her fingers. She had no desire to let her go.
Strange.
Her gaze flickered toward the bed. What in the world had Kai gotten herself into now?
A soft knock at the door. Shae glanced up as her sister entered, her sharp gaze landing first on Kai’s prone form. Rina sighed, shaking her head before turning her attention to Shae—only to freeze. Her eyes widened. Then, a slow, knowing smirk curled her lips. Shae frowned. “What?” Rina didn’t answer. Instead, she sent a mental tap against Shae’s walls. With a sigh, Shae let her in. The moment their connection opened, Rina’s laughter rang through it. Oh, Shae. You’re adorable. You haven’t noticed, have you? Shae’s frown deepened. Noticed what? Rina sighed, her smirk softening. Although the town called them the Moon Sisters, the truth was, Rina had centuries on her. She had been over three hundred years old when Shae was born. Now, she was well into her five hundredth century, while Shae had just passed two hundred and fifty. She often forgot how young her sister still was. She perched on the arm of the couch, reaching out to pet Shae’s hair. Shae, what are you feeling right now? Shae blinked at her. Feeling? Rina nodded. Yes. As you’re holding her. Shae hesitated. But her sister was rarely this serious. So she answered honestly. Calm. Content. She’s warm. And her snakes are… cute. Rina smiled. And if I were to take her from you right now? A bolt of fury speared through Shae. Her muscles tensed. Her grip tightened. Her mind’s voice came out as a dangerous growl. YOU WILL NOT. Rina flinched at the sheer force of it. Shae froze. I—Rina, I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me! Rina just smiled, continuing to stroke her hair. It’s alright, little sister. But tell me—what did you feel just now? Shae swallowed. Anger… No. Rage. I just—I heard one word in my head. She hesitated, then whispered, Mine. Rina’s smile widened. And what do you suppose that means? Shae sat there, stunned, the truth dawning like the slow unfurling of a sunrise.
Mine.
She looked down at the sleeping Gorgon in her arms. The way her body had fit so perfectly against hers. The way her snakes trusted her. The way the very thought of losing her had sent a surge of possessive fury through her.
Mate.
Shae’s breath caught. She turned to Rina with wide, astonished eyes. Rina, she whispered, her mind’s voice wavering in vulnerable shock, sorrow, and something like awe. Kai saved my mate. Rina nodded. That she did. She has a habit of bringing joy into the lives of others. What a strange being she is. Shae could only agree. Rina stood, sighing. I came up here to see if you needed anything? Shae shook her head, dazed. Rina chuckled. Alright, then. I’ll handle the B&B. You just focus on your newfound revelation. She kissed her sister’s forehead, then slipped out the door. Shae barely noticed her go. She looked down at the woman sleeping in her arms. Mate. A slow, joyous smile spread across her lips. She stroked the little snakes again, feeling them nuzzle into her fingers.
Oh, Stars.
She was a goner.
At some point during the night, Shae had drifted off to sleep, still holding Marta close. The couch had been a tight fit, and in their slumber, they had shifted naturally into a far more intimate position. Now, Shae lay on her back, and Marta had turned in her sleep, lying atop the Moon Sister. Her head rested against Shae’s bosom, her warm breath fanning over her collarbone. Their bodies were pressed flush together, a tangle of limbs and warmth. Marta’s snakes, drawn by Shae’s body heat, had nestled themselves under her chin and between her breasts, their small bodies curled in contentment.
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Shae was the first to stir. Slowly waking, she became acutely aware of just how close they had ended up. The weight of Marta atop her was pleasant, grounding. The little snakes tickled against her skin, their cool bodies contrasting with the warmth of their owner. Shae exhaled softly, resisting the urge to laugh—or groan. It was almost absurd, how naturally Marta had sought her out even in sleep.
Before she could dwell on it further, she felt the subtle change in Marta’s breathing, signalling her waking. Shae simply waited, curiosity flickering in her violet eyes. How would the Gorgon react?
Marta had been having an exceptionally comfortable nap, cocooned in warmth. She felt safe, secure. Her pillow was just perfect—soft, warm, and—wait. Blinking groggily, she stirred, yawning slightly as the last remnants of sleep faded. But as her awareness sharpened, so did the realisation of her predicament. Her pillow was, in fact, not a pillow. Marta froze. Wide-eyed, she tilted her head slightly, and to her absolute horror, her snakes had burrowed between a very generous, very not hers set of breasts. Her entire body went rigid as the blush rushed from her cheeks all the way down her neck. Oh. Oh no. She had fallen asleep on top of Shae.
Before she could so much as scramble off the other woman in sheer mortification, Shae’s arms tightened around her waist, holding her firmly in place. “Don’t,” came that rich, smoky voice, soft yet commanding. Marta stilled. Slowly, hesitantly, she lifted her gaze to meet Shae’s. She expected amusement, maybe teasing, but what she found was something much deeper. Something that made her heart stutter. Shae’s violet eyes were filled with warmth, devotion—something quiet but fierce. She offered a small, reassuring smile. “Please, wait,” she murmured. Marta swallowed, still utterly flustered, but she gave a small nod. “I don’t mind,” Shae continued, her voice like velvet. “I didn’t realise it when we first met last night, but you need to know something.” Marta, still half-pressed against her, blinked in confusion. “Know what?” she asked, her voice hoarse from sleep and embarrassment. Shae hesitated, clearly struggling to find the right words. Eventually, she exhaled deeply, her grip on Marta never wavering. And then, softly, she explained.
She told her about what had happened after Marta had fallen asleep. About Rina’s visit. About her realisations—no, awakening—to what Marta had become to her. Her Mate. By the time Shae finished, Marta was staring at her, stunned into silence.
Mate? Mate?
Her mind reeled, her heart hammering against her ribs. She had no words, not yet. But as she lay there, still held in Shae’s arms, she became aware of something else. Something she had been too tired, too emotionally drained to notice the night before. Her snakes hadn’t stopped Shae from touching her. Not once. Instead, they had welcomed her, wrapping themselves around the Moon Sister, curling against her for warmth and safety. They had already claimed her, even before Marta fully understood the connection.
She inhaled shakily, staring at this woman who had so suddenly and completely become a part of her life. She had a Mate. And for the first time in a long time, Marta realised that she wasn’t alone anymore. She had someone new—someone who belonged to her just as much as she belonged to them.
All thanks to Kai. Her amazing, ridiculous, trouble-magnet of a friend.
With the weight of her revelation settling in, Marta sat up, her movements slow and deliberate. Shae let her go, shifting as well, scooting upright until she leaned against the couch’s armrest.
The emotions swelling inside Marta were too vast to contain. Years of loneliness, of longing for a connection she had convinced herself she would never have, crashed over her all at once. And as the realisation truly sank in—that she was no longer alone, that she had a Mate—tears welled in her eyes. She sobbed, not out of sorrow but of sheer, overwhelming relief.
Sitting there, straddling Shae’s lap, her body trembled with the force of her emotions. Tears spilled freely, soaking into Shae’s shoulder as her breath hitched between quiet cries. The years of solitude, the burden she had carried alone, began to unravel, piece by piece. Shae didn’t hesitate. She simply held her. Strong arms wrapped around Marta’s waist once more, pulling her flush against her body. The warmth of her Mate seeped into her skin, grounding her, steadying her. Marta didn’t fight it. Instead, she clung to Shae, burying her face into the curve of her neck, inhaling her scent.
Slowly, her sobs quieted. The tidal wave of emotion receded, leaving behind something new—something wonderful. Peace. For the first time in so, so long, Marta felt truly safe. Truly held. And as she pressed closer, she marvelled at it—at the solid, realness of Shae’s body against hers. At the way their warmth intermingled, wrapping them in something far more intimate than mere touch.
It was in this scene that Kai stirred. Her dreams had been strange—visions of swirling energies, clashing and merging in a dance older than time. The sensation had run through her like an old friend, a piece of something long-lost returning home.
Then she woke.
Blinking up at the ceiling, she registered the dim light filtering through the room, the muffled sound of breathing and—softsobs? Frowning slightly, Kai turned her head to the right. And froze. There, on the couch, were Marta and Shae—locked in an embrace so intimate that for a moment, Kai hesitated to even breathe too loudly.
Marta was straddling Shae’s lap, her arms looped around her shoulders, her face hidden in the Moon Sister’s neck. Shae held her with an aching tenderness, her fingers tracing slow, soothing patterns down Marta’s back. Kai’s chest tightened. She didn’t know what had happened, but she felt it. The weight of the moment. The rawness of it. Her lips parted slightly as she watched Shae whisper something against Marta’s ear, her voice low and gentle. She couldn’t make out the words, but whatever they were, they mattered—because Marta let out a slow, shuddering breath, her hands gripping Shae just a little tighter. Then, Kai’s heart skipped. Because Shae shifted slightly, one hand moving to cradle the back of Marta’s head. Then with infinite softness, she tilted her head up and pressed a gentle kiss to Marta’s lips. It was soft—barely more than a brush of skin—but the tenderness in it was palpable. A quiet promise. A silent declaration. Kai felt it—the weight of it. A small thing, but it carried a depth of meaning that went far beyond the action itself. Marta inhaled sharply, her hands flexing against Shae’s shoulders as if she wasn’t quite sure whether to pull away or pull closer. Her snakes, which had been resting lazily, stirred at the shift in their connection. A few of them twined slightly tighter around Shae’s arms, as if in acknowledgment.
It settled in Kai’s chest, a quiet warmth that spread through her like ripples in still water. She hadn’t realised how much she had been holding her breath until she let it out, a slow, measured exhale. A soft smile ghosted across her lips as she turned her gaze away, giving them their moment. They deserved it. She shifted slightly, staring at the ceiling once more, but the energy of the room had changed. It hummed with something new—something whole. And as Kai closed her eyes, she thought to herself, This… this is good. She didn’t know what she had felt in her dream—the swirling energies, the strange familiarity of it—but it no longer unsettled her. It felt right. Just like this moment. Just like them. Kai drifted back into slumber, her breathing evening out as she sank once more into her dreams.
From the corner of her eye, Shae noticed her friend shifting on the bed, as did Marta. “I want to tell her,” Marta whispered, looking away, her fingers tightening slightly where they rested against Shae’s shoulders. “She deserves to know.” Shae nodded, her gaze unwavering. “Agreed,” she murmured. Then, with deliberate tenderness, she reached up and cupped Marta’s cheek, guiding her Mate’s gaze back to her own. She had noticed Marta’s habit of looking away—as if afraid of what she might see in Shae’s eyes. But Shae wanted her to see. To know. Her thumb traced the curve of Marta’s lips, lingering for a moment before she acted. With her left arm wrapped securely around Marta’s jean-clad bottom, she pulled the Gorgon impossibly closer. The motion was smooth, powerful—possessive in a way that made Marta gasp. Marta barely had time to process what was happening before she felt it—her pelvis and the apex of her spread thighs pressing flush against Shae’s lower stomach. The sudden contact sent a bolt of heat racing up her spine, and she instinctively gripped Shae’s shoulders, fingers curling into the soft, smooth fabric of her dress. Her breath hitched. And then Shae kissed her. It was different this time. Not the soft, lingering press from before—this was something deeper. More consuming. More physical. Shae’s lips parted, her tongue flicking against Marta’s before delving inside. She claimed her, kissed her as if she were devouring her, as if she could drink her in. Her grip on Marta’s rear tightened, pressing her closer, until there was no space between them, until they were one searing point of contact. Marta felt the world spin around her, her entire body responding helplessly to Shae’s dominance. She moaned into the kiss, the sound lost between them as Shae sucked on her tongue, tasting her, taking from her, leaving her trembling in her grasp. Marta could barely think, barely breathe. Her breasts pressed against Shae’s, rising and falling rapidly as she gasped for air. And when Shae finally released her lips, it was with a teasing nip of her teeth—just enough to leave a lingering sensation that had Marta shuddering. Then came the words. “You are my Mate. I want you to look at me! I will never leave you. Don’t fear my gaze, Love. If I stare, it is because I want you! Don’t ever look away.” Marta’s body burned at the raw emotion in Shae’s voice. She had never before been so aware of her body—of every press, every touch, every point of heat where she and her Mate connected. She was straddling Shae, pressed against her firm stomach, their bodies molded together. Shae’s dress clung to every perfect curve, and Marta’s own outfit—tight skinny jeans and a simple tank top—felt suddenly too restrictive. And stars above, Shae was dominant. Marta loved it. She craved it. The sheer power of her Mate’s presence, the way she commanded her attention, her touch, her very breath—it was intoxicating. She wanted to submit to Shae’s strength, to let herself be taken, claimed, loved. And as she stared into those intense violet eyes, Marta knew one thing with absolute certainty— When their mating finally happened… It would be nothing short of mind-shattering.
Shae would have loved nothing more than to keep holding her Mate, but their relationship was still too new. She didn’t want to overwhelm Marta, no matter how much she longed to keep her wrapped around her. So, with an inner sigh of resignation, she gently helped Marta stand as she too rose from the couch. Marta, though her body craved more contact, was grateful for her Mate’s understanding. The intensity of their bond was already more than she had ever expected—more than she had ever hoped for—but she needed a moment to breathe. As she stood, she realised the sun had climbed higher in the sky. Blinking in mild confusion, she turned toward the bedside clock. 10 AM. Had they really slept that long? Then, her gaze fell on Kai’s still form. She stepped to the bed and reached out, pressing her palm gently to her friend’s forehead. A relieved sigh escaped her lips.“Her fever’s gone!” she said, glancing at Shae with a grateful smile. Shae stepped forward as well, peering down at their friend with a contemplative expression. “I was sure she was waking,” she murmured, perplexed. But even as she spoke, she could sense that Kai had slipped into another deep sleep. Marta bit her lip. “Well… that healer did say she needed time to recover.” Shae nodded in agreement, but before she could say anything further, a loud growl echoed through the room. Shae’s brow arched, her eyes snapping to Marta. The Gorgon’s face flushed crimson. Shae smirked, amusement dancing in her violet gaze. “Hungry?” she teased, the corner of her lips quirking up. Marta, her face still burning, nodded hesitantly. Her snakes hissed—each and every one of them bobbing in agreement, as if voicing their own hunger. Shae melted. Stars, she’s adorable. Her Mate’s little pout made her want to scoop her up and never let go. But she controlled herself—barely—and instead extended a hand toward Marta, her smirk softening into something far more affectionate. “Come,” she said, a small chuckle escaping her. “Let us feed the beast.”
Marta groaned in embarrassment but took Shae’s offered hand, her fingers curling around the Fae’s warm palm. As they quietly exited Kai’s room, Marta hesitated, looking back over her shoulder with a worried frown. Shae gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and tugged her gently into her side. “She will be safe here, little Mate,” she murmured.Marta gazed up at her, searching her expression, then nodded.
Stepping into the hallway, Marta realised something—Shae was taller than her. Not as tall as Kai, but still noticeably taller than her own meager five feet. She liked that. Both of her protectors—her best friend and her Mate—were taller and stronger than her. It made her feel safe. She knew Kai was around 5’10 or 5’11, which was incredibly tall for a woman. Shae seemed to be closer to 5’7. The perfect height, Marta thought absently. She liked looking up at her.
Unbeknownst to her, Shae had noticed her Mate’s not so subtle glances. The Moon Sister preened under Marta’s quiet admiration, her Fae instincts soaking up the attention. She straightened slightly, swayed her hips a little more, feeling ridiculous for indulging in such vanity. But stars above, did she want to strut.
As they descended the stairs, the quiet hum of conversation filled the air. The B&B’s common room was alive with activity—several Fae gathered around tables, sharing breakfast and conversation. The moment Shae and Marta stepped onto the landing, however, all attention shifted to them.
Marta froze, and she became aware of one very crucial thing missing on her person. She had never retrieved her beanie. Her snakes were fully exposed. Fear spiked through her veins like ice water. She could feel every gaze on her, every lingering look. Panic clawed its way up her throat, her breaths turning shallow, erratic. Old fears surfaced. They’re staring! They’re Horrified! Disgusted! Tears pricked her eyes, her vision blurred, and before she could stop herself, she moved—hiding behind Shae, pressing her face between her Mate’s shoulder blades. Shae stiffened in alarm. The sudden rush of terror from her Mate shocked her. She felt Marta trembling.
The Fae in the room exchanged worried glances, confused by the reaction. What had frightened the Gorgon? Rina, observing from across the room, immediately understood. Her eyes softened. She’s afraid of us!Gorgons were notoriously solitary creatures, but Rina had a feeling Marta’s isolation had not been by choice. Shae turned, shielding Marta with her body, wrapping her arms around her Mate protectively. Marta pressed her face into Shae’s chest, and her snakes curled in tight, trying to burrow beneath her shirt. Rina acted. She scanned the room and spotted a familiar little figure—Toby, the young Cobalt, sitting on his mother Hanna’s lap, nibbling at breakfast. Smiling, Rina approached and crouched down to his level. “Toby?” The child looked up, ears twitching. “Yeah, Rina?” Hanna gave Rina a curious look, but Rina only smiled. “Do you see Shae’s new friend over there?” she asked, nodding towards Marta. Toby turned, leaning sideways to get a better look. “Mmhmm! That’s the snake lady that brought Kai!” he chirped, his bright blue eyes blinking curiously. “That’s right.” Rina grinned. “I was wondering if you could help me.” “How?” Toby asked, intrigued.“Well,” Rina said, lowering her voice conspiratorially, “she’s very shy, and her snakes like to be warm, but she forgot her hat at home. Do you think you could give her yours? It’s a really awesome hat, and I think it would make her feel welcome.” Toby’s eyes widened. He loved helping. Without hesitation, he pulled off his dark blue beanie, jumping off his mother’s lap and trotted over toward Marta.
Shae was still murmuring soft reassurances to her Mate, trying to soothe her panic, when— “Hi!” Marta blinked, startled. Peeking out from Shae’s embrace, she looked down to find the cutest child she had ever seen smiling up at her. “Umm… hello?” she managed. “My name’s Toby!” the boy announced proudly. “You’re Kai’s friend, right? What’s your name?” Marta hesitated. “Ah… Marta.” Smiling the child held out a blue beanie. “Do you want my hat?!” Toby asked eagerly. “I wear it because my ears get cold! But you can have it! Don’t worry—I have another one! And it’s the same color, so we’ll match! Isn’t that cool?!” Marta stared. And then, for the first time since stepping into the room, she smiled. A real, genuine, heartwarming smile. She reached out with gentle hands, taking the offered beanie with wonder. Overcome with emotion, she leaned down and kissed Toby’s forehead. Her snakes, all of them, gave the boy tickling little snake-kisses on his nose. Toby giggled and patted each head in turn, utterly delighted. Then, with a cheerful wave, he ran back to his mother. Marta clutched the beanie close to her chest, overcome by the simple, pure kindness of the child.
Shae, watching with a full heart, reached down and gently took the hat from Marta’s hands. She tenderly placed it over her Mate’s head, tucking away the errant serpents with careful nose bonks. When she was done, she leaned down and kissed Marta’s nose. Marta looked up at her with a breathtaking smile. Shae’s heart stuttered. Oh my Stars, she’s perfect. Smiling, she took Marta’s hand once more. “Come,” she said warmly. “Let’s get you breakfast.”
